The Spotlight

Chapter 4

I step behind the bar, my movements practiced and efficient after years of working in this lively pub. The familiar scent of beer and laughter fills the air as I grab a clean rag and start wiping down the polished wood surface.

The door swings open, and a burst of radiance enters the room in the form of my best friend, Emily. Her face is alight with a wide grin, and I can't help but match her infectious smile as she slides onto a bar stool.

"Alright, Em? You look like the cat that got the cream," I tease, leaning forward on my elbows.
Emily's eyes sparkle with excitement, and she leans in conspiratorially. "Rye, you'll never guess what I just saw!"

I raise an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "Go on, then. Don't leave me hanging."

"I was scrolling through YouTube, and your X-Factor audition popped up!" she gushes, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Oh my god, Riley, you were incredible! The way you sang 'A Million Love Songs'—it gave me chills!"

My cheeks flush at the memory of standing on that stage, the bright lights beating down on me as I poured my heart into Gary Barlow's passionate lyrics. The nerves had threatened to consume me as I first started singing, but the music took over, and I poured out all my emotions.
"You really think so?" I ask, a hint of doubt creeping into my voice. "I was so nervous, I thought the judges were going to notice."

Emily waves a dismissive hand. "Are you kidding me? You had the judges eating out of the palm of your hand! Tulisa and Nicole were swooning, and Louis was screaming your name!" A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I recall the judges' reactions.

"And Gary!" Emily continues, her voice rising with excitement. "Did you see the look on his face? He was gobsmacked, Rye! Absolutely gobsmacked that you sang his song better than he does!"
I can't help but laugh at the memory of Gary's playful jab, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of awe and amusement. In that moment, I felt a connection with the music legend—a shared understanding of the power that a well-crafted song can hold.

"I still can't believe it happened," I admit, shaking my head in disbelief. "One minute, I was just a girl working in a pub, and the next, I was standing on that stage, pouring my heart out to the world."

Emily reaches across the bar and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "You deserve this, Rye. You've worked so hard over the years, and your talent is undeniable. This is just the beginning."

I nod, a small smile playing on my lips as Emily's words sink in. She's right, of course. This is just the beginning—a new chapter in my life that I never could have imagined unfolding. But at the mention of Gary's name, I feel a flush creeping up my cheeks, and a familiar flutter takes root in my chest.

Memories of that fateful audition come flooding back, vivid and intense. The bright lights beating down on me, the weight of the judges' scrutinizing gazes, and then... his eyes. Gary Barlow's strong gaze locked with mine as I poured every ounce of emotion into his song.
Quickly, I compose myself, pushing the memory aside and focusing on the present. Emily is watching me with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Alright, alright," I concede, reaching beneath the counter for a clean glass. "Let's have a celebratory drink!"

I grasp the bottle of Emily's favorite red wine, the cool glass slipping against my palms. With ease, I uncork the bottle and tilt it, allowing the rich, ruby liquid to cascade into the glass.
As I set the glass down on the polished wood surface, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swelling in my chest. This is just the beginning, and who knows where this adventure might lead? Perhaps one day I'll find myself sharing a stage with the likes of Gary Barlow, our voices intertwining in perfect harmony.